What's Happening?
Tennessee State University's football team, under the new leadership of coach Reggie Barlow, has experienced a challenging start to the season with a 1-2 record. Barlow, who took over the program in March, has been using the first three games as a preseason to evaluate his team, which includes 47 new players. The team recently lost to Alabama A&M with a score of 23-21, following a win against North Carolina A&T and a significant loss to North Dakota State. Byron McNair, a transfer from Kentucky Wesleyan, has been named the starting quarterback, replacing Jonathan Palmer. Despite a strong first half against Alabama A&M, McNair struggled in the second half, completing only six passes for 51 yards and committing two turnovers. The absence of co-offensive coordinator Shannon Harris, due to a family bereavement, was noted as a factor in the team's second-half performance.
Why It's Important?
The early performance of Tennessee State under Reggie Barlow is significant as it sets the tone for the rest of the season and the future of the program. With a large influx of new players and a new coaching staff, the team is in a rebuilding phase. The ability of Barlow to integrate these players and establish a cohesive unit will be crucial for the team's success in the Big South/Ohio Valley Conference. The decision to start Byron McNair as quarterback indicates a strategic move to stabilize the offensive lineup. The team's performance in these early games provides insights into their potential and areas needing improvement, which will be critical as they face tougher opponents.
What's Next?
Tennessee State will have a break before returning to play against Tennessee Tech on September 27. This period will be crucial for the team to regroup and address the issues identified in the first three games. The return of Shannon Harris could also provide a boost to the team's offensive strategy. As the team prepares for conference play, the focus will be on solidifying the starting lineup and improving overall performance. The upcoming games will be pivotal in determining the team's standing in the conference and their prospects for the season.
